CEDAR FALLS, IA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
INDIGO GIRLS RETURN TO GALLAGHER BLUEDORN AFTER POSTPONED 2024 SHOW
By Lily Munnik News Editor
After a year-long wait, the Indigo Girls are finally bringing their iconic sound to the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The duo, known for their rich harmonies and enduring folkrock anthems, will perform on Thursday, October 23 at 7 p.m., marking a highly anticipated return following last year’s canceled show.
Originally scheduled to take the stage in November 2024, the Indigo Girls had to postpone their performance due to illness. At the time, Gallagher Bluedorn expressed disappointment in the cancellation.
“We were all very excited to host the Indigo Girls for the first time,” Gallagher Bluedorn representatives said. The venue worked quickly with the band to ensure fans wouldn’t be left out, and now the rescheduled concert promises to be well worth the wait.
Over the past year, the Indigo Girls — Amy Ray and Emily Saliers — have continued to leave their mark on music and culture. Their beloved 1989 hit “Closer To Fine” gained renewed attention after being featured in the blockbuster film “Barbie”. The duo also starred in their own acclaimed documentary, “Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All,” and were recently featured in the
150th Class SPOTLIGHT
Meet
first-year
PBS special “Austin City Limits Turns 50”, performing alongside music powerhouses like Chris Stapleton and Leon Bridges.
The upcoming Cedar Falls show is part of the Indigo Girls’ fall “Yes We Are” co-headlining tour with Melissa Etheridge, where they’ll hit over 30 cities across North America. For this leg of the tour, the Indigo Girls will be performing as a seven-piece band, bringing a fuller, richer sound to the stage while still holding tight to the intimate, emotional storytelling that’s defined their career for nearly four decades.
“We joke about being old, but what is old when it comes to music?” said Saliers. “We’re still a bar band at heart… our passion for music feels the same as it did when we were 25 years old.”
Fans who held onto tickets from last year’s canceled performance were given the option to apply them toward the new date or receive a full refund.
With the rescheduled event now on the calendar, Gallagher Bluedorn is ready to deliver the long-awaited experience.
student Theo Trimble
A theatre major with a passion for writing
By Lily Munnik News Editor
Editor’s Note: UNI is marking its 150th anniversary this academic year. As the newspaper of record on campus, the Northern Iowan is showcasing a weekly feature profiling members of the sesquicentennial class.
Theo Trimble, a theatre performance major with a minor in digital journalism, is originally from Le Mars, Iowa. Drawn to the University of Northern Iowa by its welcoming atmosphere and strong theatre program, Theo says the decisions to enroll felt right from the start.
“When I walked into my first campus tour, I felt more than welcomed than I had at the other campuses I toured,” he said. “It felt like I was already part of the Panther Family.”
Currently living on campus, Theo enjoys the quiet of the single-standing dorms and has already made a few close connections. Though the construction has made getting to class a bit more complicated, campus life is off to a good start.
Theo is already active in student life as a member of UNISTA (UNI Student Theatre Association), where a spontaneous moment during an event left a lasting impact.
“I recently went to Play In A Day this past month, and was roped in and given a script when I had just come to watch,” he said. “That really set in stone for me how good this club was.”
Outside the theatre, Theo works as a student writer for The Northern Iowan, a role that started through a journalism class.
“I obtained the job just by talking to Professor Dimitrova…and writing an article about someone in the 150th class,” he said. “I chose my best friend, Tyler Schuur, and after the article was published, I obtained the job.”
While still adjusting to campus life, Theo has enjoyed his classes — especially Acting with Professor Hahn — and is excited for what’s ahead.
“My main goal is to improve at auditions for all TheatreUNI shows every year,” he said. “I also want to get involved with SAR Improv and UNI Speech and Debate.”
Courtesy Photo Indigo Girls most recent album, “Look Long,” was released in 2020.
Courtesy Photo Theo Trimble is a first-year student at UNI majoring in theatre performance and minoring in digital journalism. He currently lives on campus and is involved in UNISTA and The Northern Iowan. In the future, he wants to get involved with SAR Improv and UNI Speech and Debate.
UNI student to showcase work in Kamerick Art Gallery
By Armando Pantoja Guest Writer
By the dim fluorescent light of the printing lab, Alex Hook stands alone, brayer in hand, coaxing ink onto a carved wooden block. It’s after 8 p.m. on a weeknight and the rest of the Kamerick Art Building is empty — silent but for the eerie squeak of her roller and the low hum of the press. Fittingly, her art is about vampires.
Alex Hook, a studio art major at the University of Northern Iowa, is using the folklore of vampirism to explore themes of obsessive, destructive behavior. Her upcoming Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) exhibition — one of only two this semester — draws on these gothic creatures not just for their aesthetic, but for their metaphorical power.
As part of the BFA program at UNI, graduating seniors curate and install their own solo shows in the Kamerick Art Building gallery. Hook’s show will be on display Dec. 9-18 during finals week.
Hook says the inspiration for her theme came unexpectedly.
“I always knew I wanted to explore obsessive-compulsive behavior in my work, but I struggled with how to approach it,” she said. “Then I was watching a bunch of video essays on vampires, and I was like, ‘I love vampires!’”
From there, the connection clicked. She found parallels in the irrational compulsions embedded in vampire folklore — like the need to count spilled grains of salt, or being unable to enter a home without an explicit invitation.
“Much of the folklore had no rhyme or reason,” she said. “But that’s what made it so interesting.”
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Her artwork draws not only on visual cues like deep reds and sharp angles, but also on the animalistic, shape-shifting nature of vampires. One woodcut print in particular depicts a monstrous, misshapen canine — an echo of the myth that vampires can turn into wolves and other beasts.
The piece is just one of many that required hours of hands-on labor in the printmaking studio.
The process starts with Hook mixing her own lithography ink — a careful blend of setswell, cobalt drier and raw lithography ink. The formula has to be just right; too thick and it won’t transfer properly. And with limited department resources, every ounce counts.
She spreads the ink in a thin layer across a glass pane using a brayer — a handheld roller made of vulcanized rubber.
“You know you’re done when it sounds like siz-
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zling bacon,” she said.
The glass not only helps create an even coat of ink but also makes cleaning easier. In a lab where most surfaces are covered in mismatched splotches of dried paint, the stainless lithography station is one of the few places where messes can’t be hidden.
On this late evening, Hook works alone. The brayer squeals under pressure as she rolls ink onto the woodcut.
“This worries me,” she said, frowning at the sound. “I don’t know that this is going to print.”
Still, she continues. She layers a sheet of printing paper on top of the inked woodblock, then sandwiches it between cardboard and a wool blanket to protect both the paper and the block.
The whole stack is fed through a hand-cranked press, its massive steel roller applynig intense pressure to transfer the image.
The result, however, is disappointing. As she peels back the layers, the print appears faint and scattered — more like a static-filled TV screen than the image she had in mind.
But Hook takes it in stride. Each print requires several trial runs — usually four to six — before she settles on the ideal pressure and ink consistency. This failed print joins a growing collection of dog-shaped creatures in her studio, just down the hall from the lab.
“Just this past Saturday, I spent five to six hours in the studio,” she said. “I’m trying to get those numbers up.”
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The Northern Iowan is published weekly on Wednesday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 506140166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications. Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time. The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees. All material is © 2025 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.
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LILY MUNNIK News Editor
Armando Pantoja
Alex Hook’s exhibition will run Dec. 9-18 during finals week.
Armando Pantoja Alex Hook’s work will explore themes of obsessive, destructive behavior by using the folklore of vampires.
Meet the 2025 Iowa Military Veteran of the Year, who just started student teaching
In spring, Marvin Carr, a 47-year-old non-traditional student at the University of Northern Iowa, walked across the McLeod Center stage to receive his diploma in Social Sciences Teaching. As a U.S. Navy veteran with six years of honorable service, Carr’s dedication and service in multiple campus organizations recently earned him the title of 2025 Iowa Military Friendly Veteran of the Year.
The recognition reflects an outstanding record of leadership and service on campus and in the community. Serving as president of both the UNI Veterans Association and UNI’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter, he worked to create a welcoming, supportive space for student veterans. This included helping to coordinate programming and events at the UNI Veteran Center, strengthening connections with local veteran organizations, and representing UNI at the SVA National Conference, where he earned the President of the United States Award (Silver) for logging more than 360 volunteer hours in one year.
In addition, Carr has served as UNI Sergeant at Arms for the Iowa High School United Nations, a UNI teacher education ambassador, and executive member of Connecting Alumni to Students. On top of all that, he continues to work part-time as a security supervisor for UNI Athletics.
“He is the epitome of leadership and is most deserving of the Military Friendly Veteran of the Year,” said Chiquita Loveless, assistant dean of students in Family and Military Programming at UNI, in nominating Carr for the award. “Marvin has taken his opportunities seriously and has made UNI proud. As a prior enlisted sailor, I know how hard he worked to achieve his goals.”
Loveless added that earning the title of Iowa Military Friendly Veteran of the Year is a huge accomplishment — one that has inspired pride across the UNI community and has made many peo-
ple extremely proud.
“Marvin was very visible at UNI Athletics events as a member of the facilities team and was a popular figure among fellow students when he lived in our residence halls,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “More importantly, Marvin devoted countless hours helping other students learn how to be successful during his time at UNI.”
In August, Carr began a 16-week student teaching assignment at Iowa FallsAlden High School. His first eight weeks focus on teaching World History and Current Events, followed by another eight weeks instructing American Government, Sociology and recent U.S. History.
“Student teaching has been really fun,” said Carr. “My cooperating teacher had me start teaching on the very first day — which also happened to be my birthday.”
While the first week involved some trial and error, Carr quickly found his rhythm in the classroom. “By the end of the second week, I was teaching World History three times a day and teaching all of the classes on my own,” he said.
Carr’s commitment to student-teaching is evident in his daily routine. He starts his day at 4:30 a.m. and drives 35 minutes from Webster City to Iowa Falls, always arriving before 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the day. From 9 a.m. until 3:20 p.m., he teaches five class periods, then uses the final half-hour of his school day to connect with students who need additional help or test reassessments.
After school, Carr either heads to Cedar Falls for his work with UNI Athletics or returns home to
spend time with family – a top priority despite his busy schedule.
Though his schedule is full, Carr remains focused on his purpose and the impact he can make, both in and beyond the classroom.
“I am looking forward to finding the next place where I can leave my mark, like I have done at UNI,” said Carr. “Wherever I do end up, I just want to make a lasting impact on the community.”
Marvin devoted countless hours helping other students learn how to be successful during his time at UNI.
Mark Nook President of UNI
Courtesy Photo/InsideUNI Marvin Carr, a 47-year-old non-traditional student at UNI, walked across the McLeod Center stage to receive his diploma in Social Sciences Teaching.
By Lily Munnik News Editor
Courtesy Photo/InsideUNI Marvin Carr is student teaching at Iowa Falls-Alden High School for 16 weeks.
Proyecto UNITED sigue transformando la enseñanza del inglés en Iowa
Project UNITED continues to transform English language teaching in Iowa
By Luis Alvarez Editor de Español
Tres años después de la creación del Proyecto UNITED, la Universidad del Norte de Iowa continúa dejando huella en la educación de inglés como segunda lengua en todo el estado. Todo esto comenzó en 2022 como una idea de las profesoras Aliza Fones y Carmen Durham, pero hoy se ha convertido en una de las iniciativas más importantes para preparar a docentes que trabajan con estudiantes bilingües.
El objetivo es mejorar la preparación de futuros maestros y apoyar a quienes ya están en las aulas, para que puedan acompañar mejor a estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés. Como lo explica el profesor Cody Boozell, encargado de la evaluación y comunicación del proyecto, “el impacto de UNITED va más allá de las becas; se trata de construir una red de apoyo para los
educadores que enfrentan los retos de la diversidad lingüística en Iowa”.
Desde el otoño de 2024, el proyecto ha ofrecido cerca de $260,000 en becas a cuatro cohortes de participantes; esto incluye a 17 estudiantes universitarios y 29 docentes en servicio. Gracias a esto, 25 maestros han logrado completar su certificación en ESL o su maestría en TESOL.
Más allá de los números, los testimonios son los que reflejan el impacto que este proyecto ha tenido. “Apliqué las técnicas que aprendí en clase para diseñar lecciones accesibles para mis estudiantes de inglés”, compartió una maestra participante. Otro docente comentó que el contenido del curso “se alineó directamente con lo que enfrentamos día a día en el aula”.
El impacto de UNITED va más allá de las becas; se trata de construir una red de apoyo para los educadores que enfrentan los retos de la
en Iowa”
bilingüe en Iowa.
Entre los futuros maestros, la respuesta ha sido igual de positiva. Una estudiante de educación dijo: “Mis experiencias como alumna multilingüe me ayudaron a conectar con mis propios alumnos que enfrentan desafíos similares”. Otra añadió: “Me motivó poder brindar el mismo tipo de ayuda que yo recibí cuando llegué a Estados Unidos y comencé a aprender el idioma”. Para el señor Boozell, estos comentarios reflejan uno de los pilares del proyecto: “Queremos que los docentes se sientan preparados, empoderados y acompañados para ofrecer una educación de calidad a estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés”. Esa preparación tiene un impacto directo en su éxito académico y personal”.
A pesar de los avances, todavía hay desafíos. Hoy, solo dos tercios de los distritos escolares de Iowa cuentan con al menos un maestro certificado en ESL, lo que subraya la importan -
cia de seguir fortaleciendo programas como UNITED, especialmente en comunidades rurales y urbanas con menos acceso.
Para el futuro, el equipo tiene metas que quiere cumplir. Para la primavera de 2026, se planea una serie de sesiones de desarrollo profesional para docentes de ESL en todo el estado. Estas actividades buscarán fomentar la colaboración, compartir estrategias y fortalecer la comunidad profesional. Además, el proyecto continuará ofreciendo apoyo financiero a nuevas cohortes de estudiantes y docentes. “Nuestra intención es que UNITED no sea solo un programa temporal, sino una base duradera para mejorar la educación bilingüe en Iowa”, afirmó Boozell. El Proyecto UNITED demuestra que cuando universidades, docentes y comunidades se unen, el resultado es bueno.
Courtesy/Northern Iowan
Nuestra intención es que UNITED no sea solo un programa temporal, sino una base duradera para mejorar la educación
UNI professor sues over alleged efforts to ‘frame’ her and drive her out
Iowa Capital Dispatch
A University of Northern Iowa professor is suing the university, alleging administrators waged a coordinated campaign to falsely “frame” her for disability discrimination while subjecting her to gender-based discrimination.
In a newly filed federal lawsuit filed against UNI, Mary Catherine DeSoto, an author and a tenured professor at the school, states that her “life and career have been defined by sustained political activism and public advocacy, including raising concerns about administrative spending, resource allocation, and institutional waste.”
She alleges those positions have, at various times during her 24 years at the school, placed her “in sharp conflict with university administration.”
The lawsuit alleges that after “disturbing incidents in 2012,” regarded by some as “severe retaliation” her for activism, DeSoto felt compelled to enter an informal agreement with the university and curtail her criticism of wasteful spending.
In 2023, she resumed her advocacy when she agreed to serve on UNI’s budget committee and gave a presentation addressing what the lawsuit characterizes as “administrative bloat and threats to course offerings,” the lawsuit states.
According to the lawsuit, UNI officials responded to the presentation by initiating a “renewed campaign of retaliation marked not only by defamatory attacks on her professionalism but also by grave procedural violations — including denial of her right to appeal, undisclosed ex parte communications with decision-makers, and the deliberate exclusion of exculpatory evidence from investigative reports.”
The lawsuit claims these “procedural abuses” were compounded by UNI’s “longstanding failure to address DeSoto’s Title IX complaints of discriminatory harassment by an administrator” at the school. The school then showed “unwavering institutional support” for the accused harasser, adding that this “entrenched pattern of institutional misconduct” inflicted profound harm on DeSoto’s career and well-being.
In addition to UNI itself, the lawsuit names as defendants UNI President Mark Nook; Provost and Executive President for Academic Affairs Jose Herrera; Dean
of the College of Social & Behavioral Science Brenda Bass; Associate Provost Amy Nielsen; Adam Butler, the head of the Department of Psychology and DeSoto’s supervisor; Ann Bilder, legal counsel for UNI; Title IX Officer Leah Gutknecht; Assistant Dean of Students Tiffany Dodd; Deputy Title IX Coordinator Kaylee Michelsen; Brenda White, an investigator for UNI; and Kara Hughes, a senior “solutions specialist” at Grand River Solutions.
The university has yet to file a response to the allegations, and a university spokesperson on Tuesday declined to comment on the matter.
Lawsuit alleges ‘yelling rants’ by department head
DeSoto alleges that from 2010 through 2013, while serving as president of UNI’s United Faculty organization, she regularly voiced concerns that budget cuts were necessitated by excessive spending on administration and were degrading course offerings and damaging the overall education experience of UNI students.
According to the lawsuit, her activism led to news coverage and presentations to the Iowa Legislature on “wasteful spending,” after which UNI’s faculty issued a vote of no confidence against the school’s then-president, Benjamin Allen.
The lawsuit claims Allen then issued a public statement falsely accusing DeSoto of
being anti-military, which led to her receiving hundreds of hate emails and fielding death threats. “For a period, DeSoto required university-provided security escorts to and from classes for her personal safety,” the lawsuit alleges. “Her car was vandalized, and the words ‘USA’ carved into the paint.”
In 2013, DeSoto advised the UNI administration she was formally backing away from her activism and criticism of the budget and she opted not to seek reelection as president of the United Faculty, according to the lawsuit.
Beginning in December 2016 and continuing through September of 2024, the lawsuit claims, DeSoto repeatedly sought assistance from the school’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance regarding Butler, her supervisor.
The lawsuit claims Butler openly criticized DeSoto for her then-recent marital separation and lectured her about her personal life, asserting that her place was at home with her husband who also worked at the school. “Butler’s harassment and lecturing continued after DeSoto eventually got divorced,” the lawsuit claims, adding that Butler typically “saved his yelling rants for female employees of the Psychology Department. On the rare occasion that he raised his voice at a male employee he would always quickly apologize.”
In 2017, DeSoto allegedly asked that her concerns about
that a disability discrimination complaint was her only avenue to improve her grade” in DeSoto’s class.
The lawsuit alleges that while some of the specific allegations related to the charge of discrimination were either dismissed or resolved with a finding of “not guilty,” the evidence presented by the school disregarded facts in DeSoto’s favor.
After DeSoto complained about what she perceived as the “biased” nature of the investigation, the university hired Grand River Solutions to act as the decision-maker on the discrimination complaint.
In November 2024, UNI issued a decision finding DeSoto discriminated against the student. DeSoto appealed, and in January 2025, the school’s hired appeal officer vacated the decision and remanded the case back to Hughes, the decision-maker. The lawsuit claims Hughes then “made essentially same decision” as she had in November 2024.
Butler be handled by UNI through a formal complaint process, but the school redirected her to a more informal process that didn’t involve a UNI investigation. According to the lawsuit, no formal investigation occurred until November 2024.
In 2023, the lawsuit claims, the school was facing potential budget shortfalls that would sharply reduce class offerings for students and so DeSoto provided a presentation on UNI’s budget to the faculty leadership.
“This presentation pointed out that UNI had cut faculty numbers by 34% since 2012 while the number of administration employees had actually increased by 6%,” the lawsuit alleges, adding that UNI leaders, who were monitoring her activity, then embarked on a “campaign of illegal conduct, all designed to drive DeSoto out of the university.”
DeSoto accused of discrimination
The lawsuit alleges the school’s leaders hatched a plan “to falsely frame DeSoto for disability discrimination with the intent to ultimately have DeSoto removed from the university.” According to the lawsuit, the discrimination allegation was based on a false assertion that DeSoto disliked students with disabilities and did not want to accommodate their needs with regard to testing.
The defendants, the lawsuit alleges, manipulated and misled a student “into thinking
In August 2025, with DeSoto’s second appeal still pending, UNI allegedly issued her “a letter of reprimand with major sanctions” that included a fine of $6,230, a requirement for mandatory training, a ban on serving on student committees, and restrictions on her internal communications.
The lawsuit claims the cumulative effect of UNI’s handling of the discrimination case and DeSoto’s complaints about Butler was “to shield Butler from scrutiny while subjecting DeSoto to a procedurally rigged process — harassing her, chilling her protected activity, and weaponizing the very procedures meant to ensure impartiality.”
According to the lawsuit, DeSoto is currently on medical leave due to severe work-related stress and her attempts to return to the workplace “have triggered overwhelming feelings of dread, avoidance, and physiological panic reactions.”
The lawsuit, originally filed in state court and moved this week to federal court, seeks damages for alleged violations of the federal Civil Rights Act, the Iowa Civil Rights Act, DeSoto’s First Amendment rights, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The lawsuit also seeks damages for an alleged breach of contract by UNI and for intentional infliction of emotional distress by Butler.
Courtesy/University of Northern Iowa DeSoto is suing the university, with claims that the university ‘waged a coordinated campaign to “frame” her for disability discrimination.’
UNI student celebrates sesquicentennial at two universities
The American College of Greece, UNI reach 150 milestone
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
Lee Beauchamp, a senior at the University of Northern Iowa, is currently studying abroad in Athens, at the American College of Greece.
Beauchamp is an Interactive Digital Studies major at UNI, and is concentrating on 3D and motion graphics, team management, video directing and post-production at ACG.
Both UNI and ACG are celebrating their sesquicentennial milestones this year.
“It feels amazing having my final year highlighted by pretty big celebrations for both the institutions I'm attending,” Beauchamp said. “It makes it all the more special being abroad, and then coming back home to a very jubilant time.”
While both universities are celebrating this large milestone, Beauchamp noticed how UNI has a larger array of celebration events than ACG. Beauchamp said, “There is more importance on personal time with others, rather than campus events at ACG.”
The American College of Greece held a large event in September honoring the new president of the institution, Edward Wingenbach. Beauchamp said that all major celebrations of the year were packed into this event.
This is a difference that Beauchamp has had to adapt to. Beauchamp is deeply involved in organizations and events at UNI, such as the American Advertising Federation.
“I was pretty used to running around a lot due to how involved I am at UNI,” Beauchamp said.
“Life is generally slower in Greece, which has allowed me to take a breath.”
UNI has hundreds of opportunities for students who are interested in studying abroad. While the idea of being away from home for months may be nervewracking, it’s an experience that those who do study abroad treasure for their lifetimes.
“Even though taking the jump to study over here was stressful and scary at times, I can definitely say that it is a choice I would never take back,” Beauchamp added.
Courtesy/Lee Beauchamp
One of the many views that UNI student Lee Beauchamp has enjoyed during their time studying abroad in Greece.
Courtesy/Lee Beauchamp Beauchamp smiles in front of the Saint Vitus Cathedral, located in Prague.
Courtesy/Lee Beauchamp Beauchamp poses for a photo in front of the Old Town Hall Tower, located in Prague.
Alpha Psi Omega to hold a Midnight screening of Rocky Horror
By Brendon Schnathorst Staff Writer
Earlier this year, the legendary cult rock musical, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” turned 50 years old. The film follows a couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), whose car breaks down on the side of the road, forcing them to exit the storm. They enter the castle of FrankN-Furter (Tim Curry), and the couple embark on bizarre experiences, resulting in a display of fun set pieces, great musical numbers, and take-no-prisoners fun.
Since the 1980s, the movie has been the subject of midnight screenings, and it has ingrained itself in pop culture, with the screenings certainly being a blast. Can you even find a midnight screening near us in the Cedar Valley? Have you wanted to dress up? Throw items at the screen? Thanks to Alpha Psi Omega, you can.
Since 2021, APO has held a midnight screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Strayer-Wood Theatre, with this year’s event on Oct. 25. UNI’s APO president, Lucia Kuehn, said she hopes attendees enjoy themselves. “This is for everyone, theater majors, non-theatre majors, minors, people who have seen theatre before. I want people to come and have fun, learn about other
events, and get into the spirit of Halloween.”
The house will open at 11 p.m., and there will be opportunities to purchase items before the costume contest. Concessions will be provided by UNITT (UNI Theatre Technicians). There will be an opportunity to obtain grab bags containing multiple items to create an interactive experience with the movie. To receive a bag, visitors could either provide $3 or three canned goods for Panther Pantry. Attendees will be asked if they have experience with Rocky Horror at a midnight screening; if not, they will have a “V” drawn anywhere on their hand or anywhere to fit their boundaries, signifying they are a Rocky Horror virgin.
At 11:30, the host will begin the costume contest. There will be different categories that each person wearing a costume can compete in, including goriest. Following the contest, the winners will receive a small trophy. Following that will be a betting scenario, and then the screening will begin at midnight.
The screening, according to Kuehn, will have a “very warming environment.” This is an interactive screening with many things that could make some people uncomfortable.
“This is an 18+ event” and very “LGBTQ+ friendly,” Kuehn
added, as there will be some risqué costumes and sensitive language to be shared before, during, and after the screening. Those with questions, contact Lucia Kuehn at kuehnl@uni. edu, and more upcoming information about costumes and more will be available on APO’s Instagram page (apo_uni).
Founded in 1925, Alpha Psi Omega (APO) is a nationwide organization that, according to the mission and constitution, pushes to “reward and honor those students who have gone above and beyond in their pursuit of Theatre Arts at the University of Northern Iowa. It is also the mission of Alpha Psi Omega to foster growth within members artistically, professionally, and interpersonally; to advocate Theatre Arts on campus and within the community.”
APO has been affiliated with UNI since 2010 and has contributed to multiple events throughout its history at UNI, including Theatre trivia at Urban Pie, Storytime with TFYC, and volunteering at Pack the Dome! The current APO board is comprised of Lucia Kuehn (President), Audrey Ruff (Vice President), Skylar Zimmerman (Community Engagement Chair), Natalie Clark (Treasurer), and Megan Schwartz (Creative Chair).
Courtesy Photo Characters on display from Rocky Horror Show.
COHEN HUISMAN Campus Life Editor
Courtesy Photo Actress takes the stage during the Midnight Screening.
Northern Iowan editorial team visits
Washington D.C. for ACP Conference
Northern Iowan
Members of the Northern Iowan editorial team were able to hear from journalism professionals from around the country, and learn how to better themselves as writers. The group also took home 5th place in the Best of Show for print newspaper.
Northern Iowan Cohen Kamaus and Michael Spahn, along with the rest of the editorial team, attended the Washington Capitals vs Minnesota Wild NHL game.
Northern Iowan Left to Right - Cohen Kamaus (Sports Editor), Estelle Johnson (Executive Editor), Lily Munnick (News Editor), Michael Spahn (Assistant Sports Editor), and Jenna Westendorf (Managing Editor).
Northern Iowan The Northern Iowan editorial team at the Lincoln Memorial, one of the many monuments along the National Mall that the group visited.
Northern Iowan Along with attending the conference, the group had the opportunity to explore the city, including landmarks like the U.S. capital.
Panthers impress at Bradley Pink Classic
By Carter Lust Sports Writer
With the postseason looming for NCAA cross-country athletes nationwide, runners prepare to use October’s final weeks to squeak out the remaining bits of fitness they need for November’s increased stakes. But before competing at the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Championships and NCAA Midwest Regional, the University of Northern Iowa men’s and women’s cross-country teams had one final tune-up race to prepare them for the season’s home stretch. On Friday, Oct. 17, the Panthers traveled eastward to Peoria, Illinois, for the Bradley Pink Classic. The annual affair hosted by Bradley University almost acts as a preview for the MVC Championships, with multiple universities from The Valley in attendance each year.
The UNI men took to their starting box shortly before the scheduled 1:30 p.m. racetime, accompanied by less-thanideal weather conditions for a mid-October day. Sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s made for a slightly warmer-than-expected afternoon. Combined with wind gusts up to 23 mph, the Panthers had a formidable day ahead of them.
Luckily, Micah Rees was up to the challenge. For the
first time this season, the sophomore was the first Panther racer across the finish line, placing 32nd overall in the process. He also earned a new personal best over the 8k distance, covering the course in 24:46.3. Trailing Rees was teammate Colin Lillie, who also dipped under the 25-minute barrier with a 24:58.80. Lillie managed a one-second personal best with his effort and finished 44th. The next bunch of Panthers finished in a relatively strung-out fashion,
led by Ty Getz. Getz placed 72nd in 25:25.17, followed by teammate Josh Gormley at 121st overall in 25:55.66. Drew Dombrosky and Jonas VanDis packed up throughout the middle kilometers of the race before Dombrosky broke away slightly during his closing kick. Dombrosky finished 140th in 26:12.57, while VanDis ran 26:19.04 for 148th. Caleb Kass placed 158th in 26:30.4. Ethan Olds rounded things out for the Panthers, finishing 174th in a
time of 26:55.90. Northern Iowa finished 17th out of 21 teams, while Bradley claimed the team crown with 78 points. On the individual side, Noah Jahnke of Wisconsin-Green Bay took the win with a 23:30.35 performance.
As the UNI women prepared to take the course, temperatures continued to climb with winds gusting across the grass. The Panthers opted to send only five racers to the start line, just enough to com-
plete a scoring team. Freshman Lindsey Sonderman led the charge for Northern Iowa, running a new personal best in the process. Sonderman finished 23rd overall, completing the 6k race in 21:11.48. Teammate Leah Klapatauskas also set a new personal best of 21:37.19 on her way to placing 47th. Meghan Wheatley followed suit with yet another personal best performance for UNI, finishing 53rd in 21:40.53. Senior Melody Ochana was the fourth Panther across the line, narrowly trailing Wheatley en route to running 21:54.63 for 70th overall. Kaylee Woolery was the final Northern Iowa finisher, setting a personal best with a 22:27.15 outing, good for 107th place.
UNI placed 10th out of 24 teams, as Bradley also captured the team win in a blowout victory. The Braves scored 32 points, while second-place North Dakota State scored 121. However, the Bison did welcome the meet’s individual champion, as Reagan Baesler took first in 20:20.98. Both the Northern Iowa men and women will be back in action on Oct. 31 for the MVC Championships in Evansville, Indiana. The women’s race will begin at 10:30 a.m., with the men following an hour later at 11:30
UFC Fight Night entertains Vancouver
By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer
This past weekend’s UFC event in Vancouver was an odd one, to say the least. Underdog victories, a corner stoppage in the main event, questionable refereeing, and quick finishes all made headlines throughout the main card. As with all UFC events, it delivered intense action and showcased high-level mixed martial arts, but UFC Vancouver will likely be remembered more for its bizarre moments than anything else.
The first fight on the main card was a lightweight bout between Kyle Nelson and Matt Frevola. In the first round, Nelson hurt Frevola with a flurry of punches. As the round wound down, with just three seconds left, referee Dan Miragliotta unexpectedly separated the fighters. Fans were confused, as Nelson appeared close to finishing the fight.
Miragliotta later said he mistakenly believed he had
heard the end-of-round horn.
A veteran official and one of the sport’s most respected referees, Miragliotta acknowledged the error. Nelson maintained control for the rest of the bout and earned a unanimous decision win — but it’s fair to wonder whether those lost three seconds could have led to an earlier finish.
The next bout didn’t require any extra time.
Charles “Air” Jourdain lived up to his nickname in a bantamweight matchup against Davey Grant. In the first round, Jourdain landed a flying knee that rocked Grant, then followed with a guillotine choke to seal the submission victory.
“I truly believe I have the best guillotine in the UFC,” Jourdain said. “And if I can put my knee in your face right before, it’s even easier.”
A native of Canada, Jourdain now holds a twofight win streak after moving down from featherweight.
Following that finish, a
ranked women’s flyweight fight saw Manon Fiorot take on Jasmine Jasudavicius. Fiorot, coming off a loss to champion Valentina Shevchenko, was looking to rebound against the Canadian underdog. She did just that, earning a knockout in the first round with a flurry of strikes.
Fiorot had previously won seven straight fights before the Shevchenko bout, and remains a top contender at flyweight. With Shevchenko set to face strawweight champion Zhang Weili in a super fight next month, Fiorot could soon receive a title shot.
The next fight was far less clear-cut. In a close bantamweight contest, Aiemann Zahabi took on former title challenger Marlon “Chito” Vera. The two engaged in a striking battle that went the full 15 minutes, with no clear winner. Both corners celebrated at the final horn, but the decision went to Zahabi via split decision (29-28). Vera immediately left the
cage after the result was read.
“To win at this level, it takes your whole heart,” Zahabi said. “It doesn’t matter who — I’m gonna fight my heart out.”
The unpredictability continued as Kevin Holland faced Mike Malott. The fight nearly ended in the first round when Malott landed a low blow, forcing Holland to take the full five-minute recovery period. Although Holland considered stopping, he chose to continue.
From there, it was all Malott. The Canadian controlled the remainder of the fight with strikes to the body and head, earning a decision win — the biggest of his career so far. Despite the loss, Holland, one of the most active fighters in UFC history, could return to the octagon before year’s end.
The main event featured one of the strangest endings of the year. Brendan Allen, ranked No. 9, stepped in on short notice to replace Anthony Hernandez against unbeaten middleweight
Reinier de Ridder. Most had de Ridder as the favorite, especially considering Allen had lost to Hernandez earlier in the year.
De Ridder started strong, securing takedowns and controlling much of the early action. But by Round 4, fatigue set in. Allen took advantage, reversing positions and landing effective strikes. Before Round 5 could begin, de Ridder’s corner stopped the fight, handing Allen a TKO victory. After the win, Allen called out champion Khamzat Chimaev and former champ Dricus du Plessis.
“Chimaev, you want a good grappler? You want someone that’s young and hungry? Come get it,” Allen said. “If not — Dricus, where you at? I’ve been trying to get you for a minute.”
It remains to be seen whether either callout will be answered, but one thing is certain: this was a statement win for Brendan Allen in a chaotic, memorable night in Vancouver.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers look ahead to their next race, the MVC Championships, on Oct. 31.
With their eyes set on March, UNI MBB looks to lean on their veteran core
Graphic Courtesy/Cohen Kamaus
After being upset last year in the MVC tournament, a hungry Panthers squad returns 72.1% of their minutes
By Michael Spahn
Assistant Sports Editor
College basketball is back in Cedar Falls.
The Northern Iowa men’s basketball team is set to begin its season on Nov. 1 in an exhibition game against Upper Iowa, kicking off the program’s 150th season.
Head coach Ben Jacobson’s team is coming off a 20-13 season (14-6 in Missouri Valley Conference play) in 2024–25 and a first-round loss to No. 11 seed Valparaiso in Arch Madness.
Northern Iowa was picked to finish second in the 2025–26
Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll. The Panthers are looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016.
According to college basket ball analyst Ryan Hammer, Northern Iowa ranks No. 1 among all college basketball teams in roster continuity, returning 72.1% of its minutes from the previous season.
The Panthers bring back a senior-heavy backcourt. Starting point guard Trey Campbell returns after averaging 11.3 points per game last season. Ben Schweiger
is back after averaging 9.9 points, along with Max Weisbrod, who averaged 5.9.
Junior forward Leon Bond III is back for a second season in Cedar Falls and is expected to start in Jacobson’s lineup. Other key returners include Redek Born, RJ Taylor, Will Hornseth, Chase Courbat, and Kyle Pock. The Panthers will look to fill big shoes in the frontcourt after losing Tytan Anderson and Jacob Hutson to graduation. Jacobson said he expects sophomore forward Hornseth to take on a bigger role this season.
“He’s a pretty special player,” Jacobson said at the team’s media day. “It’s different than having a fifth-year guy like Hutty (Jacob Hutson) from an experience standpoint, but he’s ready to move into that spot.”
While the Panthers will rely heavily on returners to lead the offense, they added frontcourt depth through the transfer portal this spring.
Senior Ismaël Diouf joins from North Carolina State, sophomore Marino Dubravic transfers from Baylor, and senior Tristan Smith comes from Concordia (NAIA).
Three freshmen also join the roster: Geon Hutchins from Detroit, Michigan; Levi Valdo from Yaoundé, Cameroon; and Jalen Wilson from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jacobson said the team’s veterans are helping guide the newcomers.
“They feel the experience around them,” he said. “I think both of those groups feel the impact from having that many experienced guys.”
The Panthers will open regular-season play against Cal State Northridge on Nov. 6 at the McLeod Center.
UNI volleyball eclipses 50 straight MVC wins
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
The Panther volleyball team hit the road this past weekend to face Indiana State and Evansville in a pair of Missouri Valley Conference matchups.
The weekend started with the Indiana State Sycamores, where UNI faced an early challenge in the first set.
Reese Booth secured a service ace early as the Panthers pulled away late in the set. Lily Dykstra led UNI with
four kills, while Cassidy Hartman and Isabelle Elliott each added three in a 25-19 first-set win.
In the second set, Northern Iowa came out strong, overcoming an early 3-1 deficit.
The Panthers’ offense dominated with double-digit kills and just one attack error.
Booth added another late service ace, while Hartman tallied seven kills and Dykstra contributed four. UNI cruised to a 25-14 win and a 2-0 match lead. Dykstra served two aces
within the first four points of the third set as Indiana State tried to keep pace.
The Panthers broke a 10-10 tie after Booth landed her third ace of the night. Jadyn Petersen added another ace later in the set, and UNI closed it out with three team blocks to win 25-16 and complete the sweep.
The second match of the weekend saw Northern Iowa face the Evansville Purple Aces in a tougher contest. The Panthers started strong with a 6-0 scoring run that included
a Booth ace before Evansville rallied. The Purple Aces cut the lead to 21-18 after a 6-1 run, but Maryn Bixby’s five kills, Dykstra’s three, and Hartman’s two lifted UNI to a 25-20 first-set win.
Evansville opened the second set with a 7-2 lead before UNI found its rhythm. The Panthers responded with a 4-0 run to tie the set at 17.
A Bixby kill and a Petersen ace pushed Northern Iowa ahead 21-19. The Purple Aces forced extra points, but UNI finished strong with a 26-24
win. Bixby added five kills in the set, while Hartman recorded six.
Northern Iowa carried its momentum into the third set, scoring five of the first six points and later going on an 8-0 run highlighted by another Petersen ace. The Panthers held Evansville to a negative hitting percentage en route to a dominant 25-10 victory and a 3-0 sweep to close the weekend.
The Panthers open up their regular season on Nov. 6 against Cal State Northridge inside the McLeod Center.
The Silent Grind
Courtesy/Jaden Hodge
After finding his footing in his first few years at UNI, Jaden Hodge now plays a prominent role for the Panthers on the kickoff return team.
For Jaden Hodge, getting cut from the football team in 2023 wasn’t the end — it was just the beginning
By Joshua Jenkins Guest Writer
By the time the rest of campus begins to stir, Jaden Hodge has already been awake for hours. His alarm goes off before the sun rises, and while most students roll over in their beds, he laces his sneakers. The hallways of the UNI-Dome echo under his footsteps as he jogs up the concrete stairs, one flight after another, breath rising in sharp bursts.
“It’s kind of lonely sometimes,” Hodge said. “You hear your footsteps, your breathing, and that’s it. But I like it that way. Nobody’s watching, so it’s just me and the work.”
That sense of quiet determination has defined Hodge’s routine since 2023, when he was cut from the UNI football team after trying out as a walk-on. The disappointment could have easily ended his story. Instead, it became the
foundation of his daily life.
His days follow a rhythm most classmates don’t see. After morning conditioning, he heads straight to the weight room. Dumbbells clank, the bar scrapes against calloused hands, and sweat gathers on the floor beneath him. He doesn’t need a coach shouting in his ear to push through another set.
“I remember when I wasn’t on the team,” he said. “I had to lie to people and tell them I was still on the team to avoid embarrassment. I don’t want to feel that again.”
By midmorning, he blends back into the stream of students crossing campus. In class, he’s quiet, notebook open, trying to balance coursework with the demands of football. Professors see a polite, attentive student. Teammates see the guy who never skips a rep. Few notice the way those two worlds collide.
After classes, his day circles back to the Dome. Practice is where the grind becomes public. Hodge, now a starter at wide receiver, sprints through routes with sharp cuts, diving to catch passes that scrape just above the turf. The whistles and cheers mask how much thought goes into each rep — foot placement, hand position, reading the defense.
“You don’t think about how much time goes into the small stuff,” he said. “Everybody sees the touchdown on Saturday. But it’s the hours of doing the little things that get you there.”
His teammates notice. When the coach announced earlier this year that Hodge had earned a scholarship, the locker room erupted. They weren’t just celebrating a title or a financial award — they were celebrating the routine, the invisible hours, the stairs in an empty dome at sunrise.
“Hodge is a small guy, but
also the guy who just never quit,” one teammate said.
“I’m proud of him, bro. He got cut and came back. Now he’s on scholarship. That’s dope.”
Evenings wind down with film study, jotting notes about coverages, or sometimes just walking back across campus, earbuds in, hoodie pulled up.
For a player who once had to watch games from the outside, every step now feels a little different.
It isn’t glamorous. The grind rarely is. But that’s the slice of life Jaden Hodge chooses: early mornings, late nights, books in one hand and a football in the other.
It’s not the kind of story that fills Instagram highlights. It’s something quieter, harder to notice, but far more powerful — the ordinary routine of someone who refused to let a setback define him.
“I don’t take it for granted,” Hodge said. “I know what
it feels like to not have this, so every day I’m out here, I try to treat it like a blessing.”
Panthers fall to Coyotes in defensive battle, 17-14
By Tyler Wood Sports Writer
The University of Northern Iowa Panthers lost to the South Dakota Coyotes on Saturday in a close Missouri Valley Football Conference battle. Panther fans showed up in white and brought the noise, but in the end, they left the UNI-Dome disappointed. The final score was 17–14, as the Coyotes narrowly scraped by the Panthers. For the full game recap, visit our website at northerniowan.com.
CROSSWORD
BY RYAN SALES
SUDOKU
Across
1) Health resorts
5) "___ there yet?"
10) Quantities: Abbr. 14) Golfer's target
15) Singer Falana and others
16) Homer's son 17) Fencing sword
18) Scottish landowner
19) Rent-___ (Hertz or Avis)
20) Quarterback for the St. Louis Rams when they won a Super Bowl
22) Commanded
23) "Tiny Dancer" singer John 24) Airline to Stockholm
26) "You Gotta Be" singer Des'___ 27) Fleur-de-___
28) Sheep sounds
32) Most achy
34) Target with a throw
36) Things to avoid
37) You are looking at it right now
40) Wish granter
41) Range users, at times
42) Consume more than 44) Prefix with dynamic 45) Utah's capital, for short
48) To the ___ degree
49) May honoree
51) Dickens's ___ Heep
53) Insect-repelling chemical
55) Fraternity at UNI
59) Approximately
60) Rest atop
61) Have ___ (know somebody)
62) Sideways glance
63) Build___egg (save)
64) Zesty flavor
65) Some prosecutors, for short
66) Some Spanish murals
67) "Woe is me!"
Down
1) Biblical unit of weight 2) Vox ___: voice of the people
3) Tips off 4) Take care of 5) "It was ___ dream" 6) Lion's sound 7) Tiger Woods's ex 8) Merchandise 9) Either of two of the 14 books of the Apocrypha 10) Simple rhyme scheme 11) Popular '90s dance 12) Takes advantage of 13) Some lines on a GPS screen 21) Fever or Lynx 25) Resonant 29) Shade of gray 30) On the ocean
31) Narrow groove 33) Uses oars 34) ___-dieu
35) "This one's ___"
37) Spayed 38) New World bound, say 39) Suffix with cash 40) Venice vessel
43) Alice B. ___ (Gertrude Stein's partner) 45) Cue 46) Thin layer
47) P.F. ___ (restaurant chain)
50) U.S. state closest to Africa
52) Rodeo rope 54) Rocky peaks 56) ___ pressure 57) Blog entry 58) Picnic pests
ANSWERS
